July has been a month filled with its fair share of heat, sleep deprivation, handymen, baby classes, birthday parties, travel, and adventuring, but most of all it’s been overflowing with FAMILY!
One of the drawbacks of an overseas assignment can be the move away from close ones. Troy and I are missing friends and family back in the States – missed showers, birthdays, weddings, and new babies – however, I’m also reminded this month of how blessed I am to have a very mobile and international family (and Gchat, Skype and FaceTime to fill in the gaps).
The month began with our first official visitor: my 80 year old world-traveling grandmother from Utah, who has affectionately been renamed “Gigi” since she became a great-grandmother. E and I were excited to have the chance to show her around our little village for a day before we all made the trip to Italy to spend an amazing weekend with my aunt, uncle, and their kids from California, and my great-aunt, her kids, their spouses and kids from Tuscany!
About 60 hours after our return from Italy, we welcomed my German grandmother and my parents as our next visitors. At 84 years old and energetic as ever, Omi is still at the head of the pack for our 12 hour days and 6 mile walks and up before the rest of us to play with the baby! It was the first time my grandmother had met E and her first trip back to London since we lived here in the early 90’s.
My fabulous parents are here for a bit longer, exploring the neighborhood, reliving memories, and happily “rescuing” me from some household and baby duties for a little while. Another hard part of living overseas? No family to give Mom a break every once in a while! We have yet to find a babysitter – completely our fault, of course – so the last time I was away from E was in April when my mom helped us move in. They’ve been a huge help, and it’s always nice to have them around!
There is so much more to share about our month, but for today, family is the subject that makes me happiest!
*Photo Credit: Margie Becker
Wonderful family time
It’s so wonderful that you have family that is so mobile! :) Hopefully we can come visit yall next year … all of your posts are making me miss living internationally!
Give in and make the move ;) I think London in 2015 is calling your name!